Lunch links: Tours and taxes

Walk the West End tomorrow

Looking for a fun urbanist way to enjoy the nice weather tomorrow? Learn about the West End neighborhood of DC, its history and upcoming development with the Coalition for Smarter Growth. The tour starts at 10 am at the Trader Joe’s.

Hail Mary tax break

Responding to upset neighbors, Councilmember Jack Evans withdrew his proposal to give Shiloh Baptist Church a break on delinquent taxes it owes on numerous blighted properties.  Other Shaw churches have renovated their holdings while Shiloh has dragged its feet. (The Other 35%)

Gas sales tax?

State highway officials are urging Congress to switch the gas tax from a per-gallon levy to a sales tax. This would raise revenue as inflation raises gas prices but would also put transportation budgets at the whim of global oil markets.  The current federal gas tax has remained at 18.4¢/gallon since 1993 despite 17 years of inflation in construction costs. (WSJ) … Friend of the Earth hates the idea.

Alexandria transportation tax?

Alexandria is considering a tax on commercial property to fund transportation projects. Arlington and Fairfax already impose the tax. (Post)

Pay freeze for thee, but not for me

The Prince George’s County Council voted down a bill to freeze its own pay at $96,417.  Council positions are part-time and the freeze would have lasted two years. (Post)

Matrix Rhee-loaded

Mayor Fenty and Michele Rhee appear in a somewhat ludicrous computer-animated newscast… in Taiwan. Bad teachers dress like clowns? (TBD)

London’s bike sharing turns a profit

In just 10 weeks after opening, Cycle Hire, London’s bike sharing program, will earn an operating profit. Like CaBi, Cycle Hire uses Bixi bikes.  An annual membership is £45 (about $70). (Guardian via Planetizen)